SHOULD I
VISIT URGENT CARE?
Not sure whether to wait for your regular doctor, walk into urgent care, or head to the ER? Fast Track Medical Care treats illnesses and injuries that need prompt attention but don't appear to be life-threatening — walk-ins welcome, appointments available
353 Northside Drive, Valdosta, GA 31602
Walk-ins Welcome
Mon-Fri: 7:00am-7:00pm
Saturday: 9:00am-5:00pm
When Fast Track Medical Care is the right call
Urgent care may be appropriate when you have a medical concern that should be evaluated soon, but you're not experiencing signs of a life-threatening emergency. A medical provider will evaluate your symptoms and determine what testing or treatment may be appropriate — the list below is a starting point, not a complete one.
Visit Fast Track Medical Care for:
Common reasons patients walk in — your provider will determine the right testing or treatment for your specific symptoms.
- Cold, flu, and COVID-like symptoms
- Fever
- Cough, congestion, or sinus symptoms
- Sore throat
- Ear pain or possible ear infection
- Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
- Mild dehydration
- Rashes and minor allergic reactions
- Urinary symptoms
- Minor cuts, burns, or wounds
- Sprains, strains, and possible minor fractures
- Mild asthma symptoms
- Work-related medical needs
- Sports, school, employment, DOT, and other physicals
This is not a complete list. A medical provider will evaluate your symptoms and determine what testing or treatment may be appropriate.
Common questions
Should I visit urgent care for a sore throat?
Urgent care may be a good choice if your sore throat is painful, persistent, accompanied by a fever, or making it difficult to eat and drink normally. Because viral infections and strep throat can cause overlapping symptoms, testing may be needed to determine the likely cause. Fast Track Medical Care offers in-house strep testing when clinically appropriate.
Can urgent care help with cold or flu symptoms?
Yes. Consider visiting if your symptoms — fever, chills, cough, congestion, sore throat, headache, fatigue, or body aches — are significant, worsening, or not improving as expected. Testing may help distinguish between illnesses with similar symptoms, and early evaluation matters because certain flu and COVID-19 treatments work best when started soon after symptoms begin. Seek medical attention for symptoms that improve and then suddenly worsen, a fever that persists, or signs of dehydration.
Can urgent care treat minor injuries?
Urgent care can evaluate many non-life-threatening injuries, including sprains and strains, minor cuts and burns, bruising and swelling, suspected minor fractures, and minor workplace injuries. Fast Track Medical Care offers in-house X-ray, and your provider will determine whether an X-ray or another evaluation is appropriate. Major trauma, uncontrolled bleeding, severe head injuries, and visibly deformed limbs should be evaluated in an emergency department.
What testing is available at Fast Track Medical Care?
Depending on your symptoms and medical evaluation, available services may include flu, strep, and mono testing, in-house laboratory services, X-rays, drug screening, and other diagnostic testing when appropriate. Not every patient needs testing — your provider will recommend it based on your symptoms, exam, and history. A negative rapid test may not always rule out an infection, especially when testing occurs early; your provider will explain your results and next steps.
Do I need an appointment?
No. Walk-ins are welcome at Fast Track Medical Care. Appointments are also available for patients who prefer to reserve a time — availability and wait times may vary depending on patient volume and the needs of patients being treated.
Does Fast Track Medical Care treat children and adults?
Yes, patients of all ages. If you're concerned about an infant, a medically fragile patient, or a child with severe or rapidly worsening symptoms, call the child's healthcare provider or seek emergency care as appropriate.
How much does an urgent care visit cost?
Cost depends on several factors: whether you use insurance or self-pay, your plan's copay, deductible, and coverage, and whether testing, X-rays, procedures, or medications are needed. Insurance coverage is determined by your individual plan, not only the name of the insurance company — we recommend confirming current participation and benefits before your visit. Contact us with questions about accepted insurance or self-pay pricing; only your insurance company can confirm your final benefits and patient responsibility.
Is urgent care less expensive than the emergency room?
Urgent care is often a more economical option for non-life-threatening illnesses and minor injuries, though the amount you pay depends on your insurance benefits and the services you receive. Cost should not delay emergency care — if you believe you may be experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.
When to go to the ER instead
Cost or convenience should never delay emergency care. When in doubt about a potentially life-threatening condition, call 911.
- Severe trouble breathing
- Persistent chest pain, pressure, or tightness
- Signs of a stroke — facial drooping, sudden weakness, confusion, difficulty speaking
- Loss of consciousness or inability to wake
- Severe allergic reaction with swelling of the face, tongue, or throat
- Uncontrolled bleeding or major trauma
- Seizure
- Blue, gray, or unusually pale lips, skin, or nail beds
